Mannar arrests

CONCERN is being expressed over arrests in Mannar District’s Madhu area, captured by the Army in March. Soldiers took into custody S Kannathasan and M Vimalarajan on 15 April. On the same day, students R Sivakumar and R Sasikumar were arrested at their home. S Yugendran was also detained. The Army denied arrest, but on 22 April, three of them were released after Catholic Bishop Rayappu Joseph intervened. The youths had been interrogated at Vavuniya Joseph military camp and beaten-up.

On 21 April, 196 youths were interrogated and warned against links with the LTTE. The youths are in fear and have registered their names with the priests at the Madhu Church. Youths Balan and Sriskaran were arrested on 27 April. On this occasion, the Army issued arrest receipts to the parents.

A number of international agencies are serving in Madhu area. There are around 20,000 refugees in the UNHCR-run refugee camps in Madhu and Thatchanamadu. Bishop Joseph continued to demand the removal of the Army from the Madhu Church sacred area. After a visit to Madhu on 30 April, Army Commander Srilal Weerasooriya announced that the Army will remain until the situation improves.

Further south-west in Puttalam District, six people were arrested at Nuraicholai. The police suspect that they were raising funds for the Tigers.

Next article.
Back to Sri Lanka Monitor Index page
Back to The Refugee Council Welcome page